Supercurrent modulation in InSb nanoflag-based Josephson junctions by scanning gate microscopy

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the use of Scanning Gate Microscopy to locally manipulate and image supercurrent flow in InSb nanoflag-based Josephson junctions, revealing new insights into superconducting weak links.

Contribution

First application of SGM on superconducting weak links in InSb nanoflags, enabling local control and imaging of supercurrent flow in semiconductor-superconductor heterostructures.

Findings

SGM modulates conductance in normal state

SGM manipulates supercurrent flow in superconducting state

Experimental results align with theoretical models

Abstract

InSb nanoflags represent an interesting platform for quantum transport and have recently been exploited in the study of hybrid planar Josephson junctions. Due to the uncovered semiconductor surface, they are also good candidates for surface probe techniques. Here, we report the first Scanning Gate Microscopy (SGM) experiments on Nb-contacted InSb nanoflag-based Josephson junctions. In the normal state, sizable conductance modulation via the charged tip of the SGM is recorded. In the superconducting state, we report the first application of Scanning Gate Microscopy to superconducting weak links, demonstrating the possibility of manipulating the supercurrent flow across a semiconductor-superconductor heterostructure at a local level. The experimental findings are consistent with theoretical predictions and establish a new way of investigating the behavior of superconducting weak links, towards the local imaging of supercurrent flow.